The East-West comparison, which crops up time and again in surveys and discussions, highlights a deep-rooted divide in perceptions between East and West Germany. Even 35 years after reunification, the responses of the East Germans surveyed show that many people feel disadvantaged compared to the West. But is this comparison really still relevant or even useful?
Comparisons often have the potential to reinforce inequalities and stir up negative feelings. When we constantly measure ourselves against others, we easily lose sight of the individual circumstances and characteristics of different regions. A comparison suggests that there is a "better" and a "worse" side, but this often does not reflect reality.
In Dresden, for example, there are both millionaires and normal earners - just like in large cities in western Germany. Life in the countryside, whether in Saxony or Bavaria, is different to life in the city anyway. The realities of life are diverse and differ not only between East and West, but also between urban and rural areas, between different social classes and between young and old people.
It is important to recognize that differences in living conditions are not necessarily worse or better, but simply different. Every region has its own challenges and strengths. For example, life in a small town in eastern Germany may offer different advantages to a metropolis in western Germany. So instead of comparing differences, we should raise awareness that diversity and difference can be enriching.
The constant fixation on the East-West comparison harbors the risk of reinforcing prejudices on both sides. When 77 percent of respondents believe that West Germans are prejudiced against East Germans, and almost half of East Germans believe that West Germans are prejudiced against them, this creates a climate of mistrust and division. This division is only further cemented by constant comparisons.
So instead of constantly focusing on the comparison between East and West, we should look to the future. It is time to recognize the uniqueness of each region and accept the differences as part of the overall German reality. Comparisons will not help to overcome the feeling of disadvantage. Instead, we should look at the positive developments and diversity in the regions that make life in Germany so unique.
In this sense, it is more important to focus on the similarities and the specific challenges that need to be overcome in each region, rather than seeing differences as shortcomings. This is the only way to achieve real understanding and growing together as equals. The East-West comparison has had its day - it is time to understand and value diversity within Germany as a strength.
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This is Thomas Wolf thinking out loud.
